After Cutting Off Love And Emotions, I Was Pestered By The Demon Sect’s Enchantress - Chapter 50
Later, Zhu Shengxi took Ning Xu and searched the entire Guiyun Sect once more, but they still found no traces of the array laid by the Demonic Cult.
Meanwhile, the ten days passed quickly, and today was the Day of the Covenants.
When she woke up, Ning Xu was nowhere to be seen in the room. Recalling their conversation from that day, Zhu Shengxi didn’t think too much of it and flew toward the Main Peak on her sword.
Along the way, she encountered many disciples of the Main Peak. They offered their sincere congratulations; Zhu Shengxi could not bring herself to brush off their kindness and could only pick a few words to respond with.
The main hall was also filled with various decorations. Looking at these, Zhu Shengxi frowned slightly.
“A-Sheng.” Ji Yanshu approached with a smile on her face.
To onlookers, the two of them standing together looked like a picture of intimacy and familiarity. However, what others could not hear was Ji Yanshu’s serious tone as she whispered, “The sect’s array has been activated. I have also stationed people from our Kunchen Sect to lie in ambush within the main hall. If any sudden changes occur, they will strike immediately.”
“Much obliged.” Zhu Shengxi’s expression remained indifferent, responding with only two words.
Ji Yanshu scanned the surroundings and said in confusion, “Strange, why haven’t we seen anyone from the Xuanqing Sect?”
The time was nearly upon them. All the other invited sects had arrived, yet the people from the Xuanqing Sect were nowhere to be found.
Zhu Shengxi also took a silent look around. Indeed, just as Ji Yanshu said, there was no sign of the Xuanqing Sect disciples.
Could it be that after Ning Xu left this place, the Xuanqing Sect discovered her tracks and redirected their people to hunt her down?
But in an instant, Zhu Shengxi dismissed the possibility. There was no direct connection between the two events; perhaps she was overthinking it.
For some reason, from the moment she was on her way here until now, she had felt a persistent sense of unease.
“Hall Master Zhu.” Zhao Qicun’s voice sounded from behind, accompanied by an object being tossed over. Zhu Shengxi reached out to catch it and found it was a bag of spirit stones.
Zhao Qicun explained, “We have known each other for many years; consider this a gift for your covenant ceremony.”
It was the same bag she had given her that day, except that the spirit stones inside were reduced by more than half.
“Thank you.” Zhu Shengxi was not surprised by this gesture and said nothing more.
Zhao Qicun, however, noticed her distraction, and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.
Today was the great ceremony, yet Zhu Shengxi seemed to be thinking about something else, and there was no joy on her face.
She looked at Ji Yanshu again and found that Ji Yanshu also looked solemn, her brows slightly furrowed, her expression far from relaxed.
Even the most dull-witted person would have sensed something was wrong. Zhao Qicun stopped speaking and silently stepped aside, a hint of alertness entering her gaze.
“Fifteen minutes left,” Ji Yanshu said softly. She looked at Zhu Shengxi. “The Xuanqing Sect disciples haven’t arrived. Why do you think that is?”
“Our target is the Demonic Cult.”
Meaning she didn’t care about the reason behind it?
Ji Yanshu gave a faint smile and suddenly brought up an entirely unrelated topic: “You and that half-demon both claimed not to know each other, but your actions are intimate; it doesn’t seem like you have no connection.”
Zhu Shengxi’s gaze narrowed. “Daoist Ji, what are you trying to say?”
Ji Yanshu acted as if she were checking the time and said, “The hour has arrived.” Having said that, she was the first to walk toward the Covenant Stone and dripped her own blood upon it.
For two people to become Daoist partners, they needed to drip their respective blood onto the Covenant Stone. Afterward, a seal would be generated, symbolizing eternal togetherness. However, if one party lacked genuine affection, the seal would not form.
Ji Yanshu’s words just now seemed to hold a deeper meaning, but at this moment, Zhu Shengxi had no time to ponder them. She suppressed the doubts in her heart and slowly walked toward the Covenant Stone.
Nearby, Jiang Lixu and Chu Yu exchanged a glance, their hands secretly moving to their respective spiritual weapons.
Just as Zhu Shengxi was about to touch the Covenant Stone, the hall suddenly grew dim. A large mass of black shadows emerged from the floor of the main hall, gradually peeling away from the ground to form figures with hideous faces.
The woman leading them had her eyes covered by a black iron mask, revealing only the lower half of her face. As if speaking to the subordinates behind her, she said in a cold, grim tone: “There is no need for the Cult Leader to personally intervene in this matter. We shall settle it ourselves.”
As soon as she finished speaking, those demonic subordinates lunged at the surrounding disciples. Seeing this, Jiang Lixu immediately ordered in a deep voice: “Hide within the array!”
The disciples in the main hall, one after another, crushed the talismans in their hands and vanished on the spot. The demonic subordinates lunged into thin air. In the next moment, sword light overflowed, and in the blink of an eye, they were turned to ashes.
Zhu Shengxi knit her brows and looked toward the entrance. The swirling sword qi gradually dissipated, revealing a figure.
Striking white hair was half-tied back. The long sword in her hand gave a light shake, and a surging sword intent instantly struck the woman in the center of the hall.
Her subordinates had all been slaughtered, yet the woman did not panic. She said eerily, “Our Cult Leader has not come; I fear Immortal Feng Yu will be disappointed.”
Hearing this, Feng Yu lightly stroked her long sword and hung a gentle smile: “If I can capture you, Protector Fu, then it cannot be considered a disappointment.”
The long sword hummed once. She nonchalantly let go, and the sword pierced toward Fu Qianjiang.
Fu Qianjiang raised a hand slightly, and the black shadows on the ground gathered rapidly, forming a protective shield in mid-air.
Unexpectedly, in the next instant, the long sword pierced through the shield. Fu Qianjiang reacted quickly, protecting her heart meridians with her hand.
The pure, righteous aura on the sword radiated a strong burning sensation in her palm. Seeing that things were going poorly, Fu Qianjiang endured the pain to pull the sword away, intending to flee. However, before she could cast a spell, the technique seals of the Guiyun Sect behind her firmly trapped her.
Feng Yu ordered the Xuanqing Sect disciples behind her: “Take her back to the sect.” Having said that, she looked at the decorations around her and said in a regretful tone:
“Today was the covenant ceremony for two young friends, and I should have congratulated them. Unfortunately, this Demonic Cult has come to cause trouble again. We of the Xuanqing Sect specifically waited for the Demonic Cult to appear, which is why we are a step late.”
Logically, the Xuanqing Sect only needed to send disciples. But since Feng Yu had appeared personally, Jiang Lixu could not fathom her true purpose. She said coldly, “It is not too late. I wonder what brings Immortal Feng Yu here?”
Seeing Fu Qianjiang being taken away, Feng Yu said leisurely, “Sect Master Jiang must have guessed it. Since I have come personally, it is naturally not for some covenant ceremony.”
At this point, she deliberately paused for a moment. After everyone’s gaze had gathered on her, Feng Yu continued: “The Kunchen Sect and our Xuanqing Sect have been on good terms for hundreds of years. Those who stand out are all cultivators of upright character, determined to eliminate demons and defend the Dao. Yanshu is from the Kunchen Sect; I trust her deeply. Let her speak.”
Hearing this, Zhu Shengxi’s heart sank slightly. Although she didn’t know Feng Yu’s exact purpose, these words vaguely excluded the Guiyun Sect.
Ji Yanshu nodded slightly, walked to the center of the main hall, and announced loudly: “Previously, while investigating the Xie family in Chaosheng City, a half-demon lurked by our side with unknown intentions. No matter how we interrogated her, it was useless. Yet, she actually obeyed Zhu Shengxi’s words. At that time, I suspected their relationship was far from ordinary.”
A hint of interest appeared in Feng Yu’s eyes as she encouraged her to continue.
“Furthermore, while supposedly under watch, not only did Zhu Shengxi fail to hand over the half-demon, but the two of them even stayed in the same room at the inn, facing each other day and night. After returning to the sect, I asked Junior Sister Yao and learned that these two had known each other long ago, yet they lied in front of us, claiming to be strangers. As for why they lied, I fear it is out of a guilty conscience.”
Hearing this, Feng Yu chimed in at the right moment: “Little friend Zhu, this is where you were wrong. Ning Xu was previously the Left Protector of the Demonic Cult and has committed many slaughters. Coupled with her status as a half-demon, she should have been executed the moment she was discovered. As a member of the righteous path, how could you harbor her?”
Between the two of them, they easily pinned the blame on her. Jiang Lixu’s face darkened as she said, “Does knowing each other beforehand equate to harboring? That half-demon plotted against my junior sister, causing her cultivation to plummet. My junior sister hates her too much to harbor her. If you wish to convict her, show the evidence.”
Chu Yu added, “Exactly. There is no direct evidence showing that A-Sheng harbored that half-demon. Immortal Feng Yu, the Guiyun Sect, like the other two great immortal sects, upholds the conviction of eliminating demons and defending the Dao.”
“Yes, evidence is indeed needed.” Feng Yu nodded as if in agreement, then whispered a few words. The disciples beside her instantly understood her meaning.
A moment later, a person in shackles was brought up. It was Xie Funing, whom they hadn’t seen for many days. The difference was that the yin energy and resentment on Xie Funing’s body had dissipated quite a bit compared to before, and she appeared very weak.
Feng Yu glanced at her. “Speak.”
A somewhat low voice slowly rose: “Previously, when they were trapped in the forest array I set, Ning Xu saved her even at the risk of her own safety. No matter what, the two of them share a bond forged in life and death.”
Feng Yu immediately followed up: “Why would a cold-blooded Demonic Cult protector risk her life to save you?”
Zhu Shengxi furrowed her brows and was about to speak, but Jiang Lixu pulled her back, explaining on her behalf: “People of the Demonic Cult are fickle. Her deliberate approach to my junior sister and these actions were likely just part of a plan. But my junior sister has never had the slightest entanglement with her, let alone harboring her.”
Feng Yu smiled, saying quite directly: “Sect Master Jiang, I understand your concern for her. But those who have done wrong must accept punishment. You… cannot protect her.”
Judging by her words, she intended to forcibly take Zhu Shengxi away. Jiang Lixu wanted to say more, but she suddenly received a transmission from Zhao Qicun:
“Sect Master, for some unknown reason, people from the Xuanqing Sect and the Kunchen Sect have surrounded the entire Guiyun Sect.”
Extinguishing the transmission talisman, Jiang Lixu’s face went cold: “What is the meaning of this, Immortal?”
Feng Yu said nonchalantly, “Since even Zhu Shengxi has colluded with a half-demon, the entire Guiyun Sect likely has problems. Sect Master Jiang, in the coming days, we will need to thoroughly investigate the Guiyun Sect.”
This person was clearly determined to control the entire Guiyun Sect. But even knowing this, no one could contend with her.
Among the three great immortal sects, Feng Yu’s cultivation was significantly higher than the others. If they were to forcibly oppose her, she feared…
Zhu Shengxi said in a calm voice: “The Guiyun Sect has eliminated demons and defended the Dao for many years. It would never have entanglements with the Demonic Cult. I ask the Immortal to see clearly.”
Feng Yu glanced at her but did not speak.
“Ning Xu and I do indeed know each other, but I would never collude with the Demonic Cult or do anything to harm the righteous path.”
Feng Yu shifted her gaze and looked at her. “Yanshu says you are harboring her, but you have a different story. How about this: you come with me to the Xuanqing Sect, and I will immediately withdraw the disciples surrounding the Guiyun Sect. How does that sound?”
Hearing this, Zhu Shengxi pursed her lips tightly. She already understood that Feng Yu’s specific visit this time was likely to get her to the Xuanqing Sect. Her intuition told her it wasn’t as simple as a surface-level investigation, but as long as she agreed, Feng Yu would not move against the Guiyun Sect.
After considering for a moment, Zhu Shengxi’s lips moved: “I…” Before the words could come out, a familiar voice suddenly rang out from nearby:
“Don’t agree to it!”
Feng Yu’s expression darkened as she looked at the person who had burst into the main hall.
Ning Xu walked straight to Zhu Shengxi’s side and repeated: “Don’t agree to it.”
Simultaneously, she sent a voice transmission: “Quick, leave with me.”
If she fled now, wouldn’t that just confirm the charges? Furthermore, how could she abandon so many senior and junior sisters in the sect and flee alone?
Zhu Shengxi declined calmly: “I cannot leave.”
Hearing her answer, Ning Xu said anxiously: “I know your concerns. Feng Yu’s true goal is definitely not that simple. You absolutely cannot go with her like this.”
“And her target is you; she definitely won’t do anything to the others in the Guiyun Sect.”
Without waiting for Zhu Shengxi’s reply, Feng Yu sneered from the front: “Look at this inseparable appearance. I think the ones who should be making a covenant are the two of you.”
“Things having come to this, there is nothing more to be said.” Feng Yu’s eyes turned cold, the long sword in her hand shifted slightly, and in an instant, the sound of breaking air rang out.
In that lightning-fast moment, Ning Xu turned and pulled Zhu Shengxi into an embrace. The Hiding Talisman gripped in her hand was activated, and the two of them vanished abruptly.
The Hiding Talisman could instantaneously transfer positions regardless of time or place; it was a rare treasure.
The long sword automatically returned. Feng Yu’s face was overcast as she ordered, “Pursue them.”
The wind whistled past. When Zhu Shengxi opened her eyes again, the two of them were already in a strange place.
“I didn’t agree to flee, you…”
The warm liquid her hand touched made her stop abruptly. Zhu Shengxi lowered her eyes slightly; her hands were covered in blood, all of which came from the person before her.
“Ning Xu.” Zhu Shengxi hurried to check her wound, not noticing that her voice carried a hint of a tremble.
So the long sword had already wounded her, nearly piercing through her waist and abdomen.
Ning Xu’s face was pale, and her words were weak: “Someone will… catch up soon. You go.”
Zhu Shengxi supported her, her lips trembling involuntarily: “Don’t move. I’ll apply medicine for you.” Saying this, she took a medicine bottle out of her storage bag.
But Ning Xu pressed her hand down, saying weakly: “Not here. She can find the first location of the instantaneous transfer based on the Hiding Talisman.”
“Alright.” Zhu Shengxi understood her meaning and gently picked her up. At this moment, flying on a sword would be extremely easy to detect, so she could only walk forward like this.
Blood flowed continuously. A sudden heavy rain washed away the bloodstains on the ground. Thunder roared, and Ning Xu instinctively grabbed the hem of the person’s clothes before her.
Looking at the blurred consciousness of the person in her arms, a sense of unprecedented anxiety rose in Zhu Shengxi’s heart. Rainwater meandered down her face. She didn’t know where this place was either; she only walked forward by instinct.
After an unknown amount of time, a ruined temple appeared ahead. Zhu Shengxi quickly brought Ning Xu into the straw-thatched temple.
Ning Xu’s eyes were tightly shut, her lips pale, and she shivered uncontrollably from the cold. Zhu Shengxi cast a Cleansing Technique and dried both of their clothes.
The person before her was originally wearing black clothes; the waist and abdomen area had turned black-red due to being soaked in blood. Zhu Shengxi gently undid her clothes, revealing a two-inch-long wound.
Feng Yu’s long sword was no ordinary spiritual weapon; it was particularly effective against demons and monsters. Zhu Shengxi sprinkled the medicinal powder on the wound but found that the bleeding was still difficult to stop.
How could this be… She frowned deeply, took out another kind of medicine, but still could not stop the dripping blood.
Her gaze fell on the tightly shut eyes of the person before her, and a surge of panic rose in Zhu Shengxi’s heart.
“Ning Xu, Ning Xu.”
She called out repeatedly until the person’s eyebrows twitched, and only then did the fear in her heart diminish slightly.
Zhu Shengxi told herself to calm down. Xie Funing knew the special nature of her blood; perhaps Feng Yu knew it too, which was why she wanted her to go to the Xuanqing Sect.
Being coveted by so many people, she wondered if her blood could treat the wound of the person before her.
With a stroke of a blade across her wrist, blood surged out instantly. Zhu Shengxi mixed the blood with the medicinal liquid and then applied it to the other’s wound.
After waiting a moment, the blood actually began to stop slowly.
Ignoring her own wrist, Zhu Shengxi hurriedly bandaged Ning Xu’s wound and then straightened her clothes.
After completing this, she was about to gather the straw on the ground into one place when suddenly, an eerie laugh echoed within the ruined temple.
Zhu Shengxi gripped the Chenque Sword tightly and looked up, catching sight of a giant Buddha statue not far away.
The strange thing was that the expression on the Buddha statue’s face was actually a crooked smile.